Hi Pearse, there are several reasons a hide will go stiff after tanning one is not put through the solution for long enough or not worked till the hide is dry (hide drying to fast before proper woring can be done). If you have used a natural ingreedient (brains ect) just mix another lot of solution up and put your hide back into it. Leave it in the solution for at least an hour and check to see if there are any dry spots, they will be either very stiff or a brown, tawny collour if you have this put it back into the solution for another half to one hour. Take out and wring the hide out (make sure you catch any solution being rung out). Put the hide back into the bucket with the solution in it and do this till soaked through again and then wring it out, repeat this step three or four times (soaking, wringing process) this helps the solution penetrate further into the hide each itme. After this step put it up onto your streaching frame and begin to work the hide. Start at the edges first as they are the first part of the hide to start to dry. Dont stop working the hide till it is either as soft as you want it or it is completely dry. Remember if it drys before you have the chance to get it to the desired softness dont work it any more or you will tear the hide. What method of tanning did you use? Did you smoke it? and is it hair on or off? I hope this helps you, if you have any other queeries dont hesitate in asking. Good luck and stay safe, regards ANT.
Hi Pearse, there are several reasons a hide will go stiff after tanning one is not put through the solution for long enough or not worked till the hide is dry (hide drying to fast before proper woring can be done). If you have used a natural ingreedient (brains ect) just mix another lot of solution up and put your hide back into it. Leave it in the solution for at least an hour and check to see if there are any dry spots, they will be either very stiff or a brown, tawny collour if you have this put it back into the solution for another half to one hour. Take out and wring the hide out (make sure you catch any solution being rung out). Put the hide back into the bucket with the solution in it and do this till soaked through again and then wring it out, repeat this step three or four times (soaking, wringing process) this helps the solution penetrate further into the hide each itme. After this step put it up onto your streaching frame and begin to work the hide. Start at the edges first as they are the first part of the hide to start to dry. Dont stop working the hide till it is either as soft as you want it or it is completely dry. Remember if it drys before you have the chance to get it to the desired softness dont work it any more or you will tear the hide. What method of tanning did you use? Did you smoke it? and is it hair on or off? I hope this helps you, if you have any other queeries dont hesitate in asking. Good luck and stay safe, regards ANT.